content tagged with turkey-eu relations

Merkel ‘wants refugee deal with Turkey to continue’

Merkel ‘wants refugee deal with Turkey to continue’

Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel has said, “Turkey is doing an outstanding job of taking care of Syrian refugees,” adding that she would like the refugee agreement with Turkey to continue: “This is the best for the people.”

European Parliament ‘strongly condemns repression on opposition’ in Turkey

European Parliament ‘strongly condemns repression on opposition’ in Turkey

The European Parliament has adopted a resolution condemning the repression of the HDP and the opposition, stressing that this backsliding “reveals the dire human rights situation in Turkey and the continued erosion of democracy and the rule of law.”

Foreign Ministry says European Parliament's report on Turkey is ‘unacceptable’

Foreign Ministry says European Parliament's report on Turkey is ‘unacceptable’

The Foreign Ministry has released a written statement regarding the adoption of the European Parliament’s 2019-2020 Report on Turkey: “The wording in the report is trying to open the future of Turkey's accession negotiations to discussion.”

‘Sofa gate’ statement by Charles Michel: I cannot sleep

‘Sofa gate’ statement by Charles Michel: I cannot sleep

European Council President Charles Michel has said that he has been losing sleep over his attitude during their visit to Turkey’s Presidency, where European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was not given an equal seat.

Italy’s PM calls Erdoğan a ‘Dictator’, Turkey summons ambassador

Italy’s PM calls Erdoğan a ‘Dictator’, Turkey summons ambassador

After Prime Minister of Italy Mario Draghi called President Erdoğan a “dictator”, the country’s ambassador has been summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Foreign Minister Çavuşoğlu has called Draghi “the appointed prime minister.”

Ertuğrul Kürkçü: 'Europe of Rights' is at death's door

Ertuğrul Kürkçü: 'Europe of Rights' is at death's door

"Erdoğan indeed has a 'plan'; but this plan is not oriented towards the 'domestic market', as is shown by the operation to bring down the HDP. It is mainly designed to be a leverage to restore the sour relations with the EU and US," says Kürkçü.

Top EU officials to visit Turkey in early April

Top EU officials to visit Turkey in early April

Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michel, the presidents of the European Commission and the European Council, will visit Turkey on April 6.

‘Rule of law, human rights in Turkey remain a key concern for EU’

CONCLUSION OF EUROPEAN COUNCIL

‘Rule of law, human rights in Turkey remain a key concern for EU’

Following the video conference on March 25, 2021, the members of the European Council have adopted a statement calling on Turkey “to abstain from renewed provocations or unilateral actions in breach of international law.”

IPI to European Union: Prioritize press freedom in Turkey

IPI to European Union: Prioritize press freedom in Turkey

International Press Institute has addressed an open letter to the President of the European Council ahead of EU leaders’ meeting this week and called on the European Council to prioritize press freedom in Turkey.

Borrell: These measures take Turkey out of European path

EU FOREIGN POLICY CHIEF

Borrell: These measures take Turkey out of European path

“The domestic situation in Turkey remains of serious concern,” said High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell, holding a press conference after the Foreign Affairs Council of the EU.

‘EU sees Turkey in the same category as Russia and China’

EU: A DREAM FOR TURKEY?

‘EU sees Turkey in the same category as Russia and China’

Nilgün Arısan, the Director of TEPAV European Union Institute, has answered our questions about Turkey’s withdrawal from the İstanbul Convention within the context of the country’s relations with the European Union.

22 March 2021 Evrim Kepenek

Withdrawal from İstanbul Convention ‘sends a dangerous message’

EU TO TURKEY

Withdrawal from İstanbul Convention ‘sends a dangerous message’

Top European Union officials have made statements about Turkey’s withdrawal from the İstanbul Convention by the decree of President and ruling AKP Chair Erdoğan; they have urged the country to reverse its decision.

Turkey slams European Parliament’s calls for ‘tough sanctions’

Turkey slams European Parliament’s calls for ‘tough sanctions’

“Turkey’s decision to ‘open’ the sealed-off suburb of Varosha undermines prospects of a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem,” says the Members of the European Parliament in a resolution adopted by 631 votes in favour.

27 November 2020

‘No one’s personal opinion can be associated with President or AKP’

FROM ERDOĞAN TO ARINÇ

‘No one’s personal opinion can be associated with President or AKP’

While Erdoğan has responded to Presidential High Advisory Board member Bülent Arınç’s criticisms about the continued arrest of Kavala and Demirtaş, he has also reiterated that “Turkey is an inseparable part of Europe.”

23 November 2020

EU: Turkey's behavior widens its separation from EU

EU: Turkey's behavior widens its separation from EU

High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Borrell has stated, “Time is running, and we are approaching a watershed moment in our relationship with Turkey."

20 November 2020

Germany, France slam Turkey for restarting operations of Oruç Reis

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN

Germany, France slam Turkey for restarting operations of Oruç Reis

While Foreign Minister of France Le Drian has accused Turkey of "carrying out provocative acts,” Germany’s Maas has found it “unacceptable” that Turkey has once again sent its seismic research vessel Oruç Reis to the Eastern Mediterranean.

16 October 2020

EU condemns Turkey’s new Navtex, Germany’s Maas cancels visit to Turkey

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN

EU condemns Turkey’s new Navtex, Germany’s Maas cancels visit to Turkey

After Turkey issued a new Navtex alert for its Oruç Reis seismic research vessel yesterday, EU’s Josep Borell has urged Turkey to “not engage in negative behaviour” while Germany’s Foreign Minister Heiko Maas has cancelled his scheduled visit to Turkey.

13 October 2020

European Commission: There is serious backsliding of rights and freedoms in Turkey

TURKEY SLAMS THE REPORT

European Commission: There is serious backsliding of rights and freedoms in Turkey

The Commission’s “Turkey 2020 Report” has noted that “under the conditions of the Presidential system, the serious backsliding of the respect for democratic standards, rule of law, and fundamental freedoms continued.” Turkey has slammed the report.

European Council to ‘hold a strategic discussion on Turkey’

EU LEADERS’ SUMMIT IN BRUSSELS

European Council to ‘hold a strategic discussion on Turkey’

The European Union (EU) leaders’ summit, initially planned for September 24 and 25, starts today in Brussels. The leaders will discuss foreign affairs, in particular relations with Turkey and the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean.

European Parliament warns Turkey of sanctions, Turkey says it is ‘biased, unfair’

EASTERN MEDITTERANEAN

European Parliament warns Turkey of sanctions, Turkey says it is ‘biased, unfair’

In a resolution adopted by 601 votes in favour, 57 against, the European Parliament has condemned Turkey’s actions in the Eastern Mediterranean and expressed support for Cyprus and Greece. Turkey has slammed the resolution in a written statement.

18 September 2020

Escalating tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean: A brief summary

Escalating tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean: A brief summary

While the debates on drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean have been around since 2010, tensions have escalated especially in the last two months. But what has changed in these two months? What is happening in the region?

9 September 2020 Pınar Tarcan

EU decision of possible sanctions on Turkey: They could apply to ships

LATEST IN THE EASTERN MEDITERREANEN CRISIS

EU decision of possible sanctions on Turkey: They could apply to ships

High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs Borrell has urged Turkey to abstain from any unilateral actions amid increasing tensions between Turkey and Greece. Merkel has called on EU countries to be on the side of Greece.

EU condemns Turkey over Hagia Sophia decision

EU condemns Turkey over Hagia Sophia decision

High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Borrell has said, “The Foreign Affairs Council has condemned the Turkish decision to convert such an emblematic monument as Hagia Sophia back to a mosque.”

EU Expresses ‘Deep Concern’ Over Appointment of Trustees to HDP Municipalities

EU Expresses ‘Deep Concern’ Over Appointment of Trustees to HDP Municipalities

Vice President of European Commission Borrell has said, “Decisions and actions taken by the Turkish authorities against municipalities with mayors from opposition parties remain of deep concern, in particular when they appear to be politically motivated.”

Citizens Support Turkey’s Accession to EU, But Don’t Believe It will Come True

Citizens Support Turkey’s Accession to EU, But Don’t Believe It will Come True

While 60 percent of citizens support Turkey’s accession to the European Union (EU), only 23 percent believe that the country will ultimately become a member of the union, says a survey participated by 4,506 people from 35 cities.

30 December 2019

State of Emergency Criteria for Visa Liberalization

State of Emergency Criteria for Visa Liberalization

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Commission delegation discussed visa liberalization, the commission demanded that the State of Emergency be ended.

Erdoğan: We Will Remind in Varna That Turkey Doesn’t Tolerate Double Standard

Erdoğan: We Will Remind in Varna That Turkey Doesn’t Tolerate Double Standard

President Erdoğan has spoken at Atatürk Airport before heading to Varna for Turkey-EU meeting: We will remind parties once again that Turkey doesn’t tolerate double standards”.

EU Commission Member Hahn: Sweet Words are not Enough

EU Commission Member Hahn: Sweet Words are not Enough

Concerning Turkey’s efforts to get close with the EU countries, Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Hahn has said, “Just sweet words are not enough. There are still tens of thousands of journalists, lawyers and academics in prison”.

12 January 2018

EU Decides to Cut Funds to Turkey

EU Decides to Cut Funds to Turkey

The EU cuts 105 million Euros in funds to Turkey on the ground that “Turkey has diverged from European standards and political developments in the country”.

20 November 2017

Merkel: Agreed on Cut in Financial Aid

Merkel: Agreed on Cut in Financial Aid

Financial aids to Turkey has been discussed at the summit of EU leaders; Merkel has declared that it has been agreed on reduction of financial aids.

20 October 2017

Bozdağ: We Haven’t Given Up on EU Accession Talks

Bozdağ: We Haven’t Given Up on EU Accession Talks

Speaking at a groundbreaking ceremony of a mosque social complex in France, Bozdağ has said, “We are determined in continuing talks despite all sorts of negativity. We are not intending to withdraw Turkey from the process”.

16 October 2017

Merkel Urges to Keep Channels of Communication Open

Merkel Urges to Keep Channels of Communication Open

Speaking at the CDU Parliamentary Group, Merkel urged to channels of communication with Turkey open while noting that she would discuss terminating EU membership negotiations with Turkey in October with her EU colleagues.

5 September 2017

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